Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Wins AIA's Architecture Firm Award
The firm will accept the award on February 6 at the American Architectural Foundation's Accent on Architecture Gala in Washington, D.C.
Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 1/16/2009 12:00:00 AM
Chicken Point Cabin; imagae by Benjamin Benschneider.
Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects has amended its name over the years, but its commitment to architectural excellence has never wavered. Case in point: the Seattle-based firm has just been honored with the 2009 AIA Architecture Firm Award by the American Institute of Architects.
The firm will officially accept the prize on February 6 at the American Architectural Foundation's Accent on Architecture Gala in Washington, D.C., and its name will be chiseled into the granite Wall of Honor at AIA’s headquarters, also in Washington. The award is AIA’s highest honor, reserved for practices that have consistently produced distinguished architecture for at least ten years. Previous winners include Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Moore Ruble Udell, Murphy/Jahn, and KieranTimberlake.
Earth House; image by Mary Randlett. Frye Art Museum; image by Matt Anderson/Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects.
"We feel honored," says founding principal Jim Olson. "It is for all of us who work together in our office, and it makes us want to try even harder in our commitment to the art and craft of architecture."
Olson established his namesake firm in 1971, which became Olson Sundberg Architects with the 1975 addition of principal Rick Sundberg. Tom Kundig and Scott Allen joined in 2000, making it Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen. Last year, Alan Maskin and Kirsten Murray also became principals. The firm has a reputation for relying on sustainable and natural design elements, and for using modern forms, not only in its urban hometown projects but also in the often-remote settings of the Pacific Northwest. 
Rendering of 1900 First Avenue. Garden House; image by Bruce van Inwegen.
"Their residential work in particular reveals a fascination with craft and the material properties of architecture," wrote Mark Robbins, dean of Syracuse University's School of Architecture, in his recommendation letter. "Levers, racks, gears, out-sized hinges and wall-size shutters improbably glide into place to frame sublime natural vistas. The dual American obsession of industry and nature are summed up immaculately in the smallest folly."
Rendering of Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
All images courtesy of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects.
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